Palmer amaranth identification

Robert Hartzler, Meaghan Anderson

Palmer amaranth has been identified both in crop fields and in conservation plantings using native seed mixes. Early detection is essential in order to prevent the new weed from getting permanently established in fields where it has been introduced.

This publication will help people new to Palmer amaranth differentiate it from waterhemp and the other weedy pigweeds found in Iowa.

In the accompanying 10-minute video below, Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University Extension Weed Scientist, discusses what Palmer amaranth is, where it came from and provides ways to detect early and what steps to take to eradicate the weed.